A heavy wave of tension has taken over Likii slum in Nanyuki after police officers stopped a group of angry protesters from entering Nanyuki town.
These demonstrators came out in large numbers to demand justice for Julia Njoki, a 24-year-old woman who was arrested during the Sabasaba protests and allegedly tortured while being held by police
Soon after being blocked, the protesters grew even more frustrated. They blocked the main road into Nanyuki town using burning tires and large barricades.
As they chanted for justice, they called on the government to arrest the police officer believed to have injured Julia. According to them, justice will only be served once the responsible officer is punished.
Julia Njoki’s story has deeply touched many people. Her family says that she was on her way home during the protests on the night of July 7.
However, police officers arrested her along with several others. She spent that night at Nanyuki Police Station.
From Court to Prison
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The next day, police took her to Nanyuki Law Courts, where she faced charges of malicious damage. After that, she was moved to Nanyuki Women’s Prison. Things took a turn for the worse soon after.
According to the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), Julia was brought to the prison on July 8 at 5:20pm along with four other women. But by 7:00pm, she had already started complaining of headaches, dizziness, and stomach pain.
The prison officials took her to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital. Unfortunately, her condition got worse by the morning of July 9, and she had to be transferred to Cottage Hospital for a CT scan.
Her Final Hours
Julia’s father spoke to The Standard newspaper. He said that doctors admitted his daughter to the ICU at 11:00pm.
The next morning, she underwent surgery. However, despite the doctors’ efforts, Julia died on July 12.
Medical Report Points to Blunt Force Trauma
Julia’s family was devastated when they received the preliminary medical report. The report showed that she had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, meaning she may have been badly beaten.
Julia’s family has not remained silent. They are demanding full accountability and want the real truth to come out.
They believe their daughter did not receive fair treatment and suspect that her death was caused by police brutality.
A postmortem exam is expected to take place on Tuesday next week, and the family hopes it will give more answers about what truly led to her death.
Public Anger Continues to Grow
This case has caused public anger and concern across the country. Many are comparing it to the recent death of teacher Albert Ojwang’, who also died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. In both cases, the victims were allegedly tortured.
Investigations and Promises
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has promised to carry out a full and credible investigation into Julia’s case.
However, the public remains skeptical, especially after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) dismissed claims of clearing a top police officer involved in another controversial case.
